Modular linkage device for coupling ribs of a rib assembly for a multi-foldable umbrella frame

ABSTRACT

A modular linkage device used for coupling ribs of a multi-foldable umbrella frame, includes first and second modular linking halves disposed to confront each other in a pivot direction, and respectively having pivotal and pivoting holes registered with each other, and a fastening member including a shank body configured to permit a retained end thereof to fit in the pivotal hole and pass through the registered pivoting hole to be detachably engaged with the second modular linking half while an enlarged abutment end is brought to abut against an outward major surface of the first modular linking half so as to couple the ribs. The fastening member is detachable from the linking halves to permit the shank body to be nondestructively disengaged from the linking halves.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a multi-foldable umbrella frame, more particularly to a modular linkage device for coupling one rib with the other rib of a rib assembly for a multi-foldable umbrella frame.

2. Description of the Related Art

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a conventional rib assembly 1 for a multi-foldable umbrella frame includes a plurality of main ribs 11, a plurality of transmitting ribs 12, and a plurality of joint units 13 disposed to couple one rib 11, 12 to the other rib 11, 12. Each of the joint units 13 includes two connecting plates 131 and a plurality of rivets 132 passing through and interconnecting the connecting plates 131 such that an end of each rib 11, 12 is journalled on the corresponding rivet 132 for pivotal movement of the rib 11, 12. Since, with such structure, the ribs 11, 12 are difficult to disengage from the corresponding joint units 13, it is impossible to replace the ribs 11, 12 when broken.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a modular linkage device for coupling ribs of a rib assembly for a multi-foldable umbrella frame such that a broken rib is easily and conveniently detached therefrom for replacement.

According to this invention, the modular linkage device includes elongated first and second modular linking halves, and a fastening member. The first modular linking half has first inward and outward major surfaces opposite to each other in a pivot direction, and a pivotal hole extending through the first inward and outward major surfaces to define a pivotal axis. The elongated second modular linking half has second inward and outward major surfaces opposite to each other in the pivot direction, and a pivoting hole extending through the second inward and outward major surfaces to register with the pivotal hole when the second inward major surface is brought to confront the first inward surface in the pivot direction for bringing one rib into coupling with the other rib of a rib assembly. The fastening member includes a shank body having an enlarged abutment end and a retained end disposed lengthwise opposite to each other, and configured such that, immediately after the retained end is brought from the first outward major surface along a fastening route to fit in the pivotal axis, and to continue on passing frictionally through the pivoting hole, the retained end is detachably engaged with the second outward major surface while the enlarged abutment end is brought to abut against the first outward major surface, thereby coupling the one rib to the other rib, and such that, when the fastening member is to be detached from the first and second modular linking halves, the retained end is nondestructively disengaged from the second outward major surface, and the shank body is retrieved along the fastening route so as to be disengaged from the first outward major surface, thereby rendering replacement of a broken rib from the modular linkage device convenient.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a rib assembly for a conventional multi-foldable umbrella frame;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a linking member of the conventional multi-foldable umbrella frame;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the first preferred embodiment of a modular linkage device used for coupling ribs of a rib assembly for a multi-foldable umbrella frame according to this invention;

FIG. 4 is a partly sectional view of a modular linkage device of the first preferred embodiment;

FIG. 5 is an exploded sectional view of the first preferred embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an exploded sectional view of the second preferred embodiment of a modular linkage device according to this invention;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a fastening member of the second preferred embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the third preferred embodiment of a modular linkage device according to this invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a fastening member of the third preferred embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the fourth preferred embodiment of a modular linkage device according to this invention; and

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a fastening member of the fourth preferred embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Before the present invention is described in greater detail, it should be noted that same reference numerals have been used to denote like elements throughout the specification.

Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the first preferred embodiment of a modular linkage device according to the present invention is shown to be used for coupling one rib 2, 3 with the other rib 2, 3 of a rib assembly. The modular linkage device comprises an elongated first modular linking half 4, an elongated second modular linking half 5, and a plurality of fastening members 6.

The first modular linking half 4 has first inward and outward major surfaces 41, 42 opposite to each other in a pivot direction, and three pivotal holes 43 displaced lengthwise from each other, and each extending through the first inward and outward major surfaces 41, 42 to define a pivotal axis. The second modular linking half 5 has second inward and outward major surfaces 51, 52 opposite to each other in the pivot direction, and three pivoting holes 53 which are displaced lengthwise from each other, and each of which extends through the second inward and outward major surfaces 51, 52 to register with a respective one of the pivotal holes 43 when the second inward major surface 51 is brought to confront the first inward surface 41 in the pivot direction for bringing ends of two main ribs 2 into coupling with one transmitting rib 3. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, one of the two main ribs 2 is coaxially and detachably coupled to the transmitting rib 3 by virtue of the fastening member 6 which is forced through one registered set of the pivotal and pivoting holes 43, 53 to be pivotable about the pivotal axis, while the other one of the two main ribs 2 is coupled to a shank body 61 of the respective fastening member 6 between another registered set of the pivotal and pivoting holes 43, 53.

In this embodiment, each of the pivoting holes 53 is in the form of a screw hole. Each of the pivotal holes 43 may be in the form of a screw hole.

The shank body 61 of each of the fastening members 6 extends lengthwise and has an enlarged abutment end 62 and a retained end 63. In this embodiment, the shank body 61 has an externally threaded portion disposed to be threadedly engaged with the corresponding screw holes 43, 53. In assembly, the retained end 63 of each fastening member 6 is brought from the first outward major surface 42 along a fastening route to fit in the pivotal axis, and to continue on passing frictionally through the corresponding pivoting hole 53. Immediately thereafter, the retained end 63 is detachably engaged with the second outward major surface 52 while the enlarged abutment end 62 is brought to abut against the first outward major surface 42, thereby coupling the ribs 2, 3 to each other between the first and second modular linking halves 4, 5.

When it is desired to replace a rib 2, 3 by detaching the corresponding fastening member 6 from the first and second modular linking halves 4, 5, the retained end 63 can be nondestructively disengaged from the second outward major surface 52 by means of unscrewing of the shank body 61 for retrieving the shank body 61 along the fastening route so as to be disengaged from the first outward major surface 42, thereby permitting one rib 2, 3 to be decoupled from the other rib 2, 3.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the second preferred embodiment of a modular linkage device according to this invention is similar to the first embodiment in structure, except that the retained end 63 of each fastening members 6 is enlarged to cooperate with the shank body 61 to form a shoulder abutment surface 631 so as to abut against the second outward major surface 52 immediately after the retained end 63 is forced out of the pivoting hole 53. Moreover, the shank body 61 of each fastening member 6 includes an outer shank sleeve (61 a) made of an elastic material, such as rubber, plastic, etc., and integrally extending from the enlarged abutment end 62, and an inner shank core (61 b) made of an elastic material and integrally extending from the retained end 63. The inner shank core (61 b) is configured to be fitted in the outer shank sleeve (61 a). The inner shank core (61 b) and the outer shank sleeve (61 a) respectively have circumferential protrusions 65 and recesses 66 configured to permit the inner shank core (61 b) is press fitted into the outer shank sleeve (61 a). Each of the protrusions 65 is interrupted by a cutout portion 67 to form two diametrically opposing protrusion segments. Rotation of the outer shank sleeve (61 a) relative to the inner shank core (61 b) by means of a hand tool that engages a slot 621 in the enlarged abutment end 62 can result in disengagement of the protrusions 65 from the recesses for permitting axial movement relative thereto. Furthermore, the cutout portions 67 of the inner shank core (61 b) can facilitate removal of the protrusions 65 out of the recesses 66 in a circumferential direction. Therefore, assembly and disassembly of each fastening member 6 to the modular linking halves 4, 5 are convenient to conduct.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the third preferred embodiment of a modular linkage device according to this invention is similar to the second embodiment in structure. In the third embodiment each fastening member 6 is made of an elastic material, and the retained end 63 is splitted into a plurality of engaging portions 632 to have a lengthwise gap 633 therebetween so as to vest the engaging portions 632 with a biasing force to move away from each other such that, immediately after the retained end 63 is brought to pass frictionally through the corresponding pivoting hole 53 against the biasing force, the engaging portions 632 are urged by the biasing force to abut against the second outward major surface 52. In addition, the retained end 63 is tapered to facilitate insertion of the retained end 63 into the corresponding pivoting hole 53.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the fourth preferred embodiment of a modular linkage device according to this invention is similar to the third embodiment in structure, except that each fastening member 6 further includes a washer 68 configured to be sleeved on the shank body 61 from the retained end 63 and which is interposed between the second outward major surface 52 and the shoulder abutment surface 631.

As illustrated, when one of the ribs 2, 3 is broken, it can be easily and conveniently decoupled from the other one of the ribs 2, 3 by detaching the corresponding fastening member 6 from the modular linking halves 4, 5 so that the broken one can be easily and readily replaced by a new one, thereby elongating the service life of the umbrella.

While the present invention has been described in connection with what are considered the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments but is intended to cover various arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretations and equivalent arrangements. 

1. A modular linkage device used for coupling one rib to the other rib, of a rib assembly for a multi-foldable umbrella frame, said modular linkage device comprising: an elongated first modular linking half having first inward and outward major surfaces opposite to each other in a pivot direction, and at least one pivotal hole extending through said first inward and outward major surfaces to define a pivotal axis; an elongated second modular linking half having second inward and outward major surfaces opposite to each other in the pivot direction, and at least one pivoting hole which extends through said second inward and outward major surfaces to register with said pivotal holes when said second inward major surface is brought to confront said first inward surface in the pivot direction for bringing the one rib into coupling with the other rib; and at least one fastening member including a shank body which has an enlarged abutment end and a retained end disposed lengthwise opposite to each other, said retained end being configured such that, immediately after said retained end is brought from said first outward major surface along a fastening route to fit in the pivotal axis, and to continue on passing frictionally through said pivoting hole, said retained end is detachably engaged with said second outward major surface while said enlarged abutment end is brought to abut against said first outward major surface, thereby coupling the one rib to the other rib, and such that, when said fastening member is to be detached from said first and second modular linking halves, said retained end is nondestructively disengaged from said second outward major surface, and said shank body is retrieved along the fastening route so as to be disengaged from said first outward major surface, thereby permitting one rib to be decoupled from the other rib.
 2. The modular linkage device according to claim 1, wherein said shank body of said fastening member between said first and second inward major surfaces is configured to permit the one rib to be coaxially and detachably coupled to the other rib about the pivotal axis.
 3. The modular linkage device according to claim 2, wherein said retained end of said fastening member is enlarged to cooperate with said shank body to form a shoulder abutment surface so as to be retained to said second outward major surface.
 4. The modular linkage device according to claim 3, wherein said retained end of said fastening member is splitted into a plurality of engaging portions to have a lengthwise gap therebetween so as to vest said engaging portions with a biasing force to move away from each other such that, immediately after said retained end is brought to pass frictionally through said pivoting hole against the biasing force, said engaging portions are urged by the biasing force to be retained to said second outward major surface.
 5. The modular linkage device according to claim 4, wherein said retained end of said fastening member is tapered to facilitate insertion of said retained end into said pivoting hole.
 6. The modular linkage device according to claim 4, wherein said fastening member further includes a washer which is configured to be sleeved on said shank body and which is interposed between said second outward major surface and said shoulder abutment surface.
 7. The modular linkage device according to claim 3, wherein said shank body of said fastening member includes an outer shank sleeve which extends from said enlarged abutment end, and an inner shank core which extends from said retained end, and which is configured to be fitted in said outer shank sleeve.
 8. The modular linkage device according to claim 7, wherein said inner shank core and said outer shank sleeve respectively have circumferential protrusions and recesses configured to permit said inner shank core is press fitted into said outer shank sleeve.
 9. The modular linkage device according to claim 8, wherein said inner shank core has a cutout portion extending lengthwise through said circumferential protrusions to interrupt continuity of said circumferential protrusions so as to facilitate removal of said circumferential protrusions out of said recesses in a circumferential direction.
 10. The modular linkage device according to claim 2, wherein said pivoting hole is in form of a screw hole, said shank body of said fastening member having an externally threaded portion which is disposed to be threadedly engaged with said screw hole. 